W8 (30 Apr. 2020)

Lecture - Autobiography (I)

自傳的三個特點（‘person’）：

自傳的三個類型

Length
- One paragraph to better present yourself
- Attached at the end of resume or on the next page
- Keep it relevant to the target position
Styles
- Formal (moderate but rigid)
  - 名字表示：姓名 \(\rightarrow\) 名 \(\rightarrow\) 第三人稱代名詞 (impersonal narration)
  - 時間排序（flashback）：先聊現況 (present simple) \(\rightarrow\) 過往經驗 \(\rightarrow\) 求學經歷
- Informational (會提供更多個人的資訊 core value; personal but idealised)
  - 提供對於特定專業/領域的個人看法（價值觀、核心信念）
  - 可能會偶而使用第一人稱代名詞 (但避免在一個段落內混用人稱)
- Conversational (未必每個場合都合適; impressive but risky)
  - 根據要申請的職務需求/特性，或許可以適度使用第二人稱代名詞來拉近與讀者的距離
  - 不適合在學術場合使用

Functions
- for the proposal reviewer to know something about you
- for the conference or seminar host to introduce you
- for the seminar participants to attend your talk
  \(\Rightarrow\) particularly common in the European academia

Styles
- Formal
- Informational
What to avoid
- Avoid speaking in the first person
- Avoid going into greater details than necessary
- Not obligatory to indicate your bachelor’s degree
as if you were reading the biography of someone else
What to offer
- Start with your full name followed by your current position, your research interests, or your current project
- Mention a prestigious award (received within 5 years) 會是一個很容易被注意到的亮點
- Finish with a sentence that is personal but not too private
Reveal your research interest in a way that is ‘personal but not too private.’

Longer Bio (1-5 paragraphs)

Ideally, end the autobiography with publications for the reader to better understand you.
Use a little space to present the unique part of you to spice up the autobiography.
Focus on the current academic engagement if your background is not yet solid enough.

Characteristics
- Personal information
- Impersonal narration
- Interpersonal communication